Professor of Health Sciences, South Bank University
Professor Tara Dean is a Professor of Health Sciences and an internationally recognised authority in the area of epidemiology of allergic disorders. She joined London South Bank University in September 2021 as Provost, where she has overarching responsibility for the academic provision of the University. Prior to this role she was Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) at the University of Brighton (2016-2021), where she was the strategic lead for all research and enterprise activities of the University. During her time at the University of Brighton, she also acted as the executive Gender Equality champion and led on Athena Swan for the University.
Tara is passionate about promoting women in STEM, and mentors a number of female STEM academics at universities in the UK. She was shortlisted for Mentor of the Year at Women of the Future Awards in 2015. As a member of the Equality and Diversity Panel (EDAP) for the Research Excellence Framework (REF), Professor Dean advised on the development of guidance and criteria to appropriately recognise equality and diversity considerations in all elements of submissions to REF2021.
Tara believes that the Athena Swan Charter can be transformative, fostering a stimulating, supportive and inclusive environment. As an Athena Swan Panel Chair, she welcomes the opportunity to help institutions to identify best practice, tackle issues and embed accountability in order to further equality, diversity and inclusion in the higher education sector.
